On September 6, 2024, Ambassador Morakot Sriswasdi, on behalf of the Royal Thai Government, participated in the official ceremony for the upgrading of the Pak Tapahan Local Border Checkpoint in Lakhonepheng Town, Salavanh Province to be the international border checkpoint.  H.E Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, and H.E. Dr.  Daovong Phonekeo, Governor of Salavanh Province jointly presided over the Ceremony on behalf of the Lao PDR Government. Thai representatives in attendance included Mr. Adisak Noisuwan, Governor of Amnat Charoen Province, Mr. Sompetch Sroisraku, Deputy Governor of Ubon Ratchathani Province and Ms. Thitiya Panmanee, Consul of the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Savannakhet

The Pak Tapahan International Border Checkpoint is located opposite to the Permanent Border Checkpoint of Ban Pak Saeng in Na Tan District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. In 1988, the Lao PDR Government officially opened the border checkpoint between Lakhonepheng Town, Salavanh Province, and Na Tan Subdistrict (now Na Tan District), Ubon Ratchathani Province, primarily for trading by small boats between the people on both sides. Later, it was upgraded to a local checkpoint in 2013. On January 31, 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR, together with related agencies, conducted an on-site survey of the Pak Tapahan local checkpoint to assess the feasibility of upgrading it to an international checkpoint. Finally, on June 14, 2024, the Government of the Lao PDR approved the elevation of the Pak Tapahan local checkpoint in Lakhonepheng Town, Salavanh Province, to an international checkpoint.

The upgrading of the Pak Tapahan International Border Checkpoint will promote trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people contacts between Thai and Laos. This International Border Checkpoint is located near the site for the construction project of the 6^th Thai - Lao Friendship Bridge (Ubon Ratchathani Province- Salavanh Province) which will enhance connectivity within the region.